These channels work similar to the '#' channels, except the name is prefixed not only with the '!' but also a set of alpha-numeric digits. This is an alternative to the time-stamp method of avoiding channel-takeovers during network splits.

These unmoderated channels work almost exactly the same as '#' channels, except nobody can obtain channel operator status on them. Some implementations seem to set the channel mode to '+nt' upon creation, however most implementations act as if modes +nt are set but don't announce them as being set.

This is a programmable channel type. Normal users cannot create channels of this type. Channels must be created by the software that controls them. The parameters of these channels are not set in stone, and are controlled entirely by software. This means '.' channels of different names may have different properties. The function of this channel type is to provide set channels which require rare features without channel mode bloat, or software bloat. By creating a new channel type it also avoids confusion with other channel types with fixed definitions.